Cars on Pasture

Compilation below: From Tuesday 6/14/11

Note: My original request for input email is at the bottom
of the compilation, Georgia

Note: I do not have a copy of Christies original email to
the board.

From Morris: I would especially agree with your last point–that this is
not a decision to be made without member input

Also that vehicles should not be banned. Respect for pasture conditions may mandate
that there are times when a vehicle should not be driven, because it can tear
up a wet road. Vehicles should not traverse high dry grass with hot catalytic
converters  laying low.  And vehicles should not be
parked on the roads, but pulled over to the side, so another vehicle can get by
if necessary. Basic common sense.

But prohibiting driving on the pasture makes no sense, and will not prevent
accidents. Are we going to ban riding when hawks are flying, or get off when a
deer darts into view?  The deer have certainly caused far more incidents
than any vehicles on the pasture.

And a sign makes no sense to me. There is nothing wrong with driving a vehicle
on the pasture, unless it is somehow harming the pasture–see above.

From Renee:

I would hope that we can invite more member input on this
issue beyond a brief mention in the agenda. This is an issue that
affects more than a few members. It sets an interesting precedent for
more and more restrictions on this already more and more restricted pasture.

 

What happened to Pam and Alice was very very unfortunate. I hope
that both Alice and Pam don’t have any long lasting effects. Banning all
non-natural objects in the pasture may eliminate some incidents like this. Yet
is it really going to be worth it? Some people have issues and can’t walk so
very much to get up in the pasture. It saves time in this busy world for
others.

 

We all know that horses shy at anything and we also
know that the more exposure they have to stuff the less they shy. Yet, the horses
in question (especially that lovable Dexter) has had a reputation in
the past for shying over and over again. Then recently while Richard and I were
walking down the road to the LP on rainy Saturday last Fudgie shied at a tree
he probably saw many times. Maybe he has eye issues as he gets older? Was it
Fudgie who shied first or Dexter or did they shy simultaneously? Not trying to
find a culprit just trying to analyze what happened so we can see if it is
really something that warrants banning cars. I realize I may be inviting
derision from some people who think I’m over analyzing but honestly I’m
concerned that this may be ill-considered and not necessary. Please bear with
me and have patience.

 

I would like to hear from Pam or Alice about what exactly went down.
Also do they think is necessary to ban cars?

 

As an aside Alice
used to have a problem with her horse bolting long ago. I went for a ride with
her. I noticed her crupper was mis-adjusted. It was pinching her horses ass. Alice was so
grateful that I saw his tail scrunching down and when she removed the
crupper NO more bolting! Miracle!

I heard that the horses bolted when they were very far from the cars. How are
we sure that they shied from the cars?

From Christie:
She sent an email I did not see, this was her comment to my email:
Cars are everywhere in the environment where we ride. Horses spook at all kinds
of things inconsistently.  Maybe we should ban fallen logs, deer, or maybe
we should ban spooky horses.  All just as absurd.

 

.From
Anonymous:
1) It is true Pam and Alice have fallen many times, and I think Dexter is
spooky at least from what I am told. It certainly wasn’t your car’s fault.

Reply to another Anonymous who did not want want their comments posted from
Georgia:
… driving up there is
the thing that has made me FARRRRR more able to come by / ride / check in than
ever, ever, ever, before. Another board member expressed that they want no cars
up there for esthetic reasons. If even one board member tries to take away the
ONE THING that has made OHA better for me I feel like it is an emergency. That
person wants to go to EBMUD and express concerns. If they prejudiced EBMUD they
could take away my access to my horses.

 

There
is a well intentioned member who preaches how good the exercise is to climb the
hill. Lenny explained to that person that he could not breathe and it takes him
10 – 15 min. to get up the first hill. I want Lenny to share to horses with me
when he can. That is why I bought Spice after I could ride again (after I
healed from my disability) so I could have my husband up there with me from
time to time. That member ignored Lenny’s explanation of his disability and went
on preaching exercise. Lenny goes to the gym regularly but he cannot climb.
This kind of comment by someone makes me feel that their philosophy is more
important than the person standing in front of them. It makes me want to go all
MAMA BEAR and defend my family and the MAIN thing that makes it workable to
come to OHA. Love that member but they was not considering our needs. They
“got it” after two or three more explanations, however, so we are
good.

Miscellaneous:
1) Not anonymous but a member verbally told me they are offended by
seeing cars on the pasture for esthetic reasons. No permission to put a name to
it.
2) Not anonymous but asked not to share the content of their letter. My
reply to the concerns:
I like Alisons note about designated areas. I like to use the Pond barn
enclosure, Separates the horses by a fence. Need to let your car cool before
going in, or keep it weed whipped. Very convenient place to park. I an
concerned about members who have a different view from mine prejudicing EBMUD.
Leaving cars unattended could be done safely and be OK with EBMUD if we had
designated areas.
EBMUDS guidelines are not set in stone – by prejudicing them they will be set
in stone. Not good for my future. I was injured for almost ten years and not
able to be at OHA much. Driving has made it possible for me to be there far
more than you know. I hide up there, keeps me away from all this ugliness.
“As OHA Turns” is a comment made by one who is also tired of people
bickering up there.
3) I feel sorry for Pam & Alice they have to read these comments. I
know what it is like to be injured and unable to ride, my case for almost 10
years. Watching you life change overnight causes a great deal of mourning and
grief. Been there, I do not envy them.
4) Correct about eventual disabilities but note it is required for a new
member and their horse to be fit enough to be on pasture. “They” –
whoever the powers that be are at that time – could eventually use that to make
someones life miserable. When I was disabled there were plenty of catty people
who doubted my dedication. It was very hurtful and discouraging.

From Pam:
I realize this is an old issue, but in light of the recent accident that Alice
and I sustained, I am hoping the Board will take action. Although we cannot
know for a certainty that the car parked by the plateau gate caused the panic
in the horses, they definitely were tense in response to seeing the car there.

It would be great if the Board could request that members not park cars on the
pasture as a matter of convenience. It is not necessary and presents a real
danger.

From Bubs:

Thank you, Pam. I agree with you. I know that cars and
trucks are sometimes needed for feeding or moving heavy objects, but I think it
important to minimize their impact on our wonderful pasture especially I light
of the recent accident.

Bubs

From Wakean:
Hi Georgia- The Board meeting is Tues night the 14th.not Thurs.    I
think your points are very good!

From Kim:
I presume the question of cars is coming up due to the recent spooking of
horses in the pasture.  This question has come up to the board before and
cars were allowed to continue being up there for the following reasons:

– EMBUD needs to be able to access it for maintenance
– We run work parties and need to access it for the same reason
– Cross fencing adds a 40 minute walk to each time an owner visits a horse
which was not the case before putting a heavy burden on all members
particularly those with limited time.

I believe any horse should be trained to handle any situation.  There are
cases when unfortunate accidents occur due to unforeseen events such as the sun
reflecting off a silver car.    This situation could have easily
occurred in Tilden at the parking areas and resulted in a run away horse down
Wildcat.

If we were not to allow cars the horses would not be seen by as many eyes as
before and owners would be more apt to keep horses in stalls so they can ride
in a limited amount of time.  If we do have such a policy, I would ask
that it only be done with a removal of all cross fencing so things go back to
“the way they were”.

More from Kim: As the New Testament says “don’t
judge a man until you have walked 3 miles in his shoes”.  10 minutes
to you may seem like a lifetime to another member.  Also, what’s great about
Georgia
is that she also brings up Lens Cogwell a founding member in his 80’s to see
the pasture as an outing to help him live longer!  If a horse is not trail
safe then the ring is the next best thing.

More from Kim:
Commenting on Alisons email: Great point but evidence will show u that they do
expect this on trail too which is exactly why Bronwyn was hurt on San Pablo.
The horse had ridden there before and the was no pallet there. When it was
there on another ride he bolted. Not on our trail. On the road. This proves
that accidents can happen anywhere at any place. Cooper nearly came out of his
skin at Gillespie because a sign was there that wasn’t there before.

From Gailyn:
Don’t have objection to occasional car for purposes you mentioned. Hasn’t been
big issue till now. Fire hazard my main concern.
Address where to leave car if not in grass due to fire
hazard. If left on fire rd, might obstruct others/emergency
vehicles. Jokingly I can suggest to the board they go hard on all things horses
have spooked at: Wind, hawks, deer, plastic. Also work parties, weeders, EBMUD
work vehicles. Ban them?

Note from Georgia: I park on bare ground or let my car sit in the
road (with me there) until I am sure the catalytic converter is cool, then move
it off the road. Another thought: The hay corrals are ugly, the fencing
is ugly. We get used to it because it is helpful.

From David Whittall:

I am a new member at OHA. I appreciate your e-mail to the
members and suggestion that we write to you and not to “all OHA” to
voice our opinions.   I am copying Kirsten as the Board
President.

 

I have lived with my own horses, been responsible for other
people’s horses on my property and been responsible for other people’s horses
at their properties and on the road during events and competitions far away
from home.

The one guiding principle that, for me, supersedes all others is this: “Do
what is right for the horses first”. Putting motor
vehicles into their pasture, vehicles that can spook them, cause
fires or otherwise interfere with their free and safe movement is in no
way in their interest.

 

I encourage the Board to prohibit this practice. There
is no slippery slope here; it is
a simple decision about what is best for our horses.

Reply to David from Georgia:

Got it, thanks for your input. Included in the compilation.
You are new here, just so you know, the cars are not parked where in the
pastures where the horses are residing. The horses will chew on them, yummy! I
personally use safety practices around cars and weeds. We use the vehicles for
chores in the pasture and drive amongst the herd while feeding. See the video
Feeding horses at OHA: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=AnmDac1AjWI&feature=related.
I live 25 -30 min away and being able to drive up there allows me to come FAR
more often. I am 59, quite fit and hearty and have been a member for over 30
years, lived in many places, this being the farthest away. Driving allows me to
extend my years here and my husbands participation. A 1- 2 hour ride for me can
take 4- 5 hours sometimes more. Vehicle access shortens the time. In some
pastures, it is a 40 min walk to get your horse back to the saddles, then
saddle up, ride, remove the saddles, groom, then 40 min to return it. In the 30
years I have been here this is the first accident that could be possibly
pegged on a car in pasture. It also allows me to stay away from unpleasant
members ;-). I usually park in the enclosure near the Pond Barn after letting
my car cool off, this time I parked where some others do, in a wide flat area.
I also pony my horses with the car. Cowboys do it, I do it too with proper
training.

 

Some members have kept their horses in stalls for
convenience but this is a pasture and our horses job there is to graze. At one
time many members kept their horses in and rode every day and others had no
place to keep theirs on the occasional time they needed the stalls. Excessive
stall use is no longer allowed (because of overuse abuse) except for occasional
riding convenience, health reasons and shoeing. My horses are out there eating
their share in the farther pastures more often and longer because I utilize my
vehicle to help manage them.

 

You are very lucky to be a new member at OHA, what a
wonderful place. You sound like a good addition to our pasture.

 

From Julie Dixon:

My 2
cents – I like the idea of limiting vehicles in the pasture.  However,
there are definitely times and people for whom it is entirely appropriate and
needed.  Your examples of Lens and work parties are good ones.  I
also can understand that when you don’t have a lot of time, driving up can mean
the difference between visiting or postponing.  I do think that generally,
most of the membership doesn’t drive up into the pasture anyway.  You,
Christie and Jim, and Kim are the only ones I know of who do it with any
regularity.

I think that Pam and
Alice’s accident was incredibly unfortunate and I am sure we all wish it could
have been avoided.  However, I don’t see that we have a big problem with
cars in the pasture in general.  If we had a lot of people driving the
pasture roads, it would be more worth regulating, but we don’t.

 

From Kim:

Also, I would like to point out that right now 3 board
members are not participating in the PO
grazing and did not participate in the Upper Upper where they might want to
bring a car.  So, their continued use of stalls makes them unable to vote
on an issue they don’t face…  That and we pay higher dues while they use
a higher cost of a resource in OHA.

 

Note from Georgia:

Not to mention that the horses who do graze the
far-flung pastures and the PO have to stay
there longer because of the non-participation of those who do not go there. But
this is a different subject for another discussion. Mine are going to the PO soon to help out.

 

From Becky:

Personally I don’t get why anyone needs to drive to the
pasture unless they’re delivering large amounts of hay!   It’s only a ten
minute walk – good for everyone who likes to ride.

I’ve found it ridiculous and possible unsafe to see you take
your horse up driving (!) with your arm out the window up a hill.

And, the accident to me certainly should put the seal on
anyone taking their car to the pasture unless it’s an emergency, and, most
definitely a shiny one.   Hopefully you get it that Alice and Pam may never ride again.

Reply to Becky from Georgia:
I disagree, my horses are trained to do that and cowboys have been doing it
for years, tied to the back of a truck. My way is safer, and allows me to move
the two around faster, give them quick exercise and “lunge” them on
level ground instead of a field with possible mole holes. We all have different
ways of doing things. I hope Alice and Pam heal, truly. (Note: I am not
taking this injury lightly, it is horrible they got hurt) I timed going to the
Upper Upper and it was 40 min round trip. I made it a bit faster
running. After cross fencing, the ones who cannot afford to take their horses
out are stuck with a long walk or not riding seeing their horses at all. You
are lucky to sponsor a horse from a member who has more options than others of
us. In the 30 years I have been here this is the first accident that
could be possibly pegged on a car in pasture.

From David Curto:
All horses spook at various things and some horses more than others. Herd
behavior is fight or flight
and  plays heavily into these types of
reactions. Any object can cause some horses to spook, Banning vehicles is not a
solution but rather a knee jerk reaction. There are many reasons why
vehicles are needed to manage the property. One could also make the point
that if there were regular vehicles, the horses would acclimate to them.
I agree with Pam, one person’s convenience can be another’s misery.

More from Morris:
As much as I feel for Alice and Pam, and truly hope they fully recover, I can’t
see banning cars.

Cars should be restricted so that hey don’t cause damage to wet ground,
particularly off road, which has happened a few times, and so that they don’t
cause a fire in high grass, again off road, which has never happened at OHA.

But horses spook at all kinds of things, and it is our job to train them not to
over-react, especially when we are riding them. Acclimating them to vehicles is
part of that training.  If someone were thrown by a horse that spooked
because a car was in view at Inspiration Pt or El Toyonal, a rider landing on
pavement could sustain far greater injuries.

And if driving up into the pasture enables someone who otherwise might not have
the time to see their horse more often, then that benefits them, the horse and
the entire pasture–as long as they are not damaging the terrain or sparking a
fire.

From Christina:

As a pregnant and less mobile OHA rider (who is not riding but
still likes to go up and check on the horses) I appreciate having the
flexibility of driving up in Georgia’s
4WD vehicle. I think appropriate vehicles should be allowed (4WD) and if the
person is responsible (ie not driving like a maniac) on a case by case basis.
As far as I know Georgia
has been an OHA member for 20 + years and this should also be taken into
consideration. Finally-how can anyone “prove” that the car caused the
horses to spook? I would be concerned if my horse could not handle seeing a car
as they are present many times while riding through the various trails.

Just my opinion.

From Harvey:
Georgia,
Your arguments are very reasonable and stated very calmly.  I share
most of them, if not all, of them.  When you get down to it, the only safe
ride on a horse may have been those electric ones you used see in front of
Safeway.  However, I don’t shop Safeway, and the last time I did
I don’t recall seeing any.  So, maybe they were removed for safety
reasons, and there is no safe ride on any horse any time.

From Linda F:
Hi Georgia—I am against restricting cars.  However, due to fire
hazard, they must stay on the fire roads.  If someone is
riding in the pasture and drives in and leaves their car, then they must not
leave the pasture to ride.  I have heard that Cheryl and Bronwyn do not
want to restrict cars either.

From Heidi:
Over the past 40 plus years at OHA I have ridden many different horses. I have
seen shiny milar balloons in the grass, as well as hang gliders overhead and
certainly the occasional EBMUD truck parked in an unfamiliar area of the
pasture. I can say that, for instance I could walk right up to any of these
things with Reminick and Macho, etc. and they would not flinch, whereas with
Monty of Domino, they would spook and want to bolt. I will do anything to avoid
buying a spooky horse because I have had too many accidents, but sometimes you
just know when they spook and you always must be prepared for this.

More from Heidi:
I know this is a bit off subject but all of this made me start to think. When I
look at horses for sale now, I ask the usual criteria when buying a horse, plus
I ask if the horse is: spooky and can be ridden bareback with a halter.
it is far easier to catch your horse and ride bareback then catching them way
down in the forest meadow, tacking up in saddling area, riding, and then
walking the horse back up to the forest because he is sweaty, and all that
walking is bad for my knee, but its also not easy to jump on and off to open
the different gates in the pasture. This is all too time consuming.

OHA doesn’t seem to be conducive to riding anymore with all of this cross
fencing. And since our members have gone along with all of this inconvenience,
not to mention the moves, then we should make it easier for our riders to do
so, and if that means using a truck to stage at the pasture where they are
grazing and ride from there then so be it. We as members have adapted to the
change of cross fencing, so we must adapt to cars up there in order to make it
easier to ride’.

I know that all of the long time members miss the days when we just let the
horse out at the gate when we were done. Who doesn’t looks forward to riding
only when they are in the pond and lower pasture.

Also, when looking for an OHA horse, I ask if the horse:  Is easy to
catch, especially in a herd, is an easy keeper and can tolerate grass hay and
alfalfa, the horse is sound and can go preferably barefoot. It’s not easy
finding your. perfect horse that will fit in with OHA.

And for those members who don’t ride bareback, don’t have a 4WD, can’t walk
along time or can’t catch their horses I wish you luck.
TWHA’s obstacle course, ride and Grizzly peak stables parade
certification course are good ways to get your horse use to scary things.

From Eddie:
Thank you Sara, for reminding us all about how scared the horses were.

It is hard be believe they would be that spooky just from a car, which all the
horses are used to seeing — albeit, not in the tall grass.  One guess —
just a guess — is that the only thing humans could see out of place was the
car, but that there was something else

I think cars should be allowed — but not encouraged — to drive on the fire
roads, with all the warnings that Morris mentioned.  I do walk up, but I
can see that there might be times — or some year — when I’d want or need to
drive.

From Alison:
It’s been an amazing experience for me, spending time with the herd in the
wilds of their OHA home. Unlike most domestic horses, these horses get to live
as close to wild horses as it gets. It’s pretty cool–they have their
heirarchy, within that their individual roles, and their role as a group, all
in the effort to survive. Sometimes the going must get tough–they sustain
winters when forage is slim and the large deer carcasses that appear near the
pond and elsewhere suggest there are large predators (mountain lions!) to be
watched out for. These horses know what it takes to survive and I believe they
know every inch of the pasture better than we could ever imagine.

There has been much emailing today about cars and that horses should be
accustomed to seeing them. Sure, I agree. However, there’s an important
distinction I’d like to make about horses on their home turf of the pasture
versus out in the park or elsewhere. On their home turf our horses are in their
survival mode, if you will. Their senses are extraordinarily in tune with their
surroundings, their herdmates. Adding something new to their home environment,
like a car, bicycle, baby stroller, is a very different from encountering a
car, bicycle or baby stroller out in Tilden.

For example, both horses I’ve ridden in my tenure at OHA have thousands of
trail miles and what I consider to be  level-headed personalities.
Nonetheless, when riding in the pasture where they’ve been living, they’re much
more suspicious of new things. An unexpected car appearing will at the very
least get some mighty snorts. However, take them over to Tilden or down to San Pablo Dam Road
and they’ll calmly tangle with all sorts of stimuli. Last fall when
construction crews took over the road at Wildcat/San Pablo Dam where I wanted
to cross I asked the 3 or 4 truckloads of workers to stop drilling for a minute
while we crossed. My horse bravely followed me through orange waving flags and
heavy machinery without much of a flinch. Pam and Dexter followed. We weren’t
on our pasture, we were out and expecting to encounter all sorts of stuff.

So, I believe that from the horses’ perspective, it’s different to encounter a
car on the home turf of their pasture out of the blue, versus crossing a road
in the park. We know horses can become accustomed to seeing vehicles in their
pasture though–when we regularly feed from trucks they know to expect to see a
truck between 3 and 5pm.

As a compromise I suggest we consider designating two parking areas for cars –
one up the first hill on the west side of El Toyonal,
one down the first hill east of El Toyonal. Not far out in the pasture, but in
a place where there is lots of visibility and regular use. When a horse is in
the Plateau, for example, their owner could drive to the parking area up the
first hill (maybe near the troughs), then walk up the rest of the way to get
their horse, leading their horse down to the car. The horses would get used to
seeing a car in this area. And, riders would know they’d be possibly be coming
up to a car and could dismount if they’d like.

Isn’t there a real danger of fire, driving cars in the pasture during the dry
months? I’m hoping Kathy Campbell, who is a retired firefighter, can help
clarify what the danger is. I actually thought we weren’t allowed to drive in
the pasture during the dry season because of the risk of sparks and hot tail
pipes igniting the grasses. I also see having a designated parking place as a
way of helping reduce this risk. It could be a gravel surface wide enough to
make a tight turn, versus having to back into the dry grass to turn around.

Anyway, thought I’d add this perspective to the mix. There’s much more I am
tempted to comment on, but don’t expect it would do any good.

Reply from Georgia:
Nice level-headed perspective. I also like parking in the Pond Red barn
enclosure where there is a fence between the cars and the horse. I wait till my
car is cool and park it in there. I do go get my horse on the roads and pony
them down to that spot, the herd does not seen to worry about my car
among  or near them, probably makes them hope for a treat. I am always
having to shoo them away so oft times I park a ways away so they do not come
and try to eat my car.

From Christie:
Since the floors open- I would like to point out that as our membership ages,
statistically anyone who lives long enough will become disabled….wouldn’t it
be nice to provide access where and when we reasonably can so as you get older
you can continue to see your horse for years to come. (Of course I am still
proudly – and sadly one of the youngest members at 30+). I hope this will weigh
into decisions here…you don’t know and don’t have the right to judge whether
someone can/can’t healthily walk up….last I checked we didn’t vet check for
membership nor did we kick people out for injuries or disabilities….

More from Christie:
Statistically most injuries happen to more experienced riders….chronicle of
the horse published a great article on this….the nature of the sport (deemed
extreme by many) is that if you ride long enough you will fall. You can’t
eliminate dangers you can train to prevent them!

I have had people turn galloping horses in the ring while I was riding my baby
green horse for the first time, and others have their dog lunge at him…. its
life….you choose the horse you risk to ride…and then ride…. we can’t
possibly eliminate every hazard a horse might spook at… we wouldn’t have a
pasture…if you don’t want hazards like cars birds and other horses…try a
stall and covered arena!

From Elise:

I am in the camp of not allowing autos in pastures except
for specific work related to running the pasture such as moving hay or bringing
up tools to work on a specific work project. I do not support autos driving up
based on a personal convenience factor.

 

My concerns center around the
fire danger issues especially during the dry season with all the dry grass
we have. It only takes one spark.

Reply from Georgia:

My 2 cents: Good points, there are some common sense rules for driving on rural
roads, grassy areas. There has never been a car fire. Everyone who drives
practices those rules. Perhaps they can be delineated so anyone new can be
informed.

Note: I left out the Christie /Sara comments where things got said that
probably should not have been.

More from Renee:
It seems like people are either “fer ’em” or “agin ’em”.
Nothing in the middle.

*****************

Possible solutions:

A sign on the gates saying a car is in the pasture.
Park in the Pond Barn enclosure after making sure the car c-converter is cool.
(This is my favorite and has been done for years without any problems.)
Let horses get used to cars by leaving one up there for a time – just make sure
the horses are not loose with it – they eat the paint!
Designated parking areas.
Some rules for driving on pasture ROADS for fire safety.

Eddie: The best cooperative is one in which members cooperate

Original email request for input:
************************************

Dear
Members,
Some members saw this item on the agenda and notified me, knowing I drive at
OHA and it has made it much more accessible to me. Driving up there is near and
dear to me. Also I heard it was my car that caused Alice’s and Pam’s horses to
spook, which was a terrible accident so I feel I need to get involved. I’m
putting this letter out to “OHA All” and soliciting comment in
advance of the meeting, Thurs. (by Wed p.m.) I’ve asked a couple of members for
their input already and have received comments of disbelief and concern. Others
had opposing opinions. Your thoughts? (ASAP)
G

************************************************************************
Cars on pasture at OHA – your input?

Short
story: The board is looking at stopping/ regulating vehicle
access to OHA roads at the next board meeting. I think prohibiting vehicles a
bad idea although from a good-hearted place. Perhaps they just want to put in
place some common sense rules which is OK but I want to avoid a slippery slope
to “over regulation”. I appreciate all the hard work our boards do to
make OHA a good place to be. I am also concerned that over regulation will
slowly but surely take away the pleasure and treasure that is OHA. Previous
boards and EBMUD have decided in the past that it OK to have vehicle access.

Action: In order to avoid an OHA email flurry, I’d like to receive and
gather opinions and thoughts about this and forward them to the board. I’ve
asked the board if this is OK and they said yes. Please send your thoughts to
me so I can send them Wed. night or Thursday morning so the board
can see them before the meeting. THANKS!

Long story:
Note the item on the agenda about cars on the pasture, a small note, seemingly
not a big thing.

Rumor is the board will be discussing having no cars on the pasture in
light of Pam and Alice’s unfortunate bolting accident.  David and I were
riding at the same time on the dame day and our horses almost bolted when a
hawk came up over a rise. Fortunately we contained them. This was on the heels
of a discussion of why I do not like to run the horses even on a wide seemingly
safe road. One never knows what may pop up and spook a horse. Cows, other
horses, hawks almost anything real or imagined … riding
horses is an unsafe past-time. We all know that.

My car was parked in the pasture and the reason for the bolting and accident is
being placed on my car being there. I am sincerely sorry the accident happened.
I “heard’ that my silver car reflected light that caused the horses to
spook. If so, the conditions are a million times to one that that will ever
happen again. The sun, date, time and rider would have to be is just the right
spot for that kind of shine to happen again. The car was parked in a large flat
area within a wide view of anyone approaching it. I spoke to Pam and she feels
it was indeed the car that caused the horses to spook. I hope Alice and Pam
recover well and soon to ride again. They are important members at OHA and
no-one wants anyone to be hurt. It was an odd combination of events. They are
careful attentive riders so I think what happened was a fluke. In any case it
was “the icing on the cake”. Since there are some who do not want to
see cars up there at all and some who simply want to make some common sense
rules … the discussion is called.

An accident could have happened to David and I from the hawk on the same day.
Riding on the road or crossing into our many parks involve vehicle involvement.
I do not know of any persons at OHA that never leave the pasture. Horses need
to become accustomed to vehicles, objects, obstacles and distractions as a part
of their training. Riders must always aware of the possibilities.

Over the years there have been many incidents that causes horses to bolt and
people have been injured. I have been thrown off many times and hurt badly twice.
I started wearing a helmet when Dusty spooked on the road one day and my head
hit the pavement with the Konk of a cocoanut being dropped on a rock. We know
what happened to Lisa. When I told Lenny the board is considering stopping
driving/parking in the pasture and he asked “Because of one incident in
how many years?” Legislating from an isolated incident is another example
of the slippery slope to over-regulation. One board member assured me they
personally do not believe in micro-management – who has the time? But, there
are others now and in the past who think there should be more rules.

My thoughts on cars: Driving and parking on the pasture is a very
helpful thing. It saves time, saves over an hour every riding day. It
allows those with 4-wheel drive to get up there more often. I often will pop up
to the pasture to check on my horses when I come to and fro from the Berkeley area. Driving
helps me keep a better eye on them. Vehicles allow for better transport of
equipment and is helpful to those who can ride but not climb hills. I got
started driving up there by giving Lens rides up to get his horse. This
extended Lens’ riding over two years. Now Lenny, who has emphysema,
is grateful for being able to access the horses easier. Sometime we go for
walks to visit the horses and enjoy the scenery. Cross fencing has been a pain
in some ways but knowing where they are brings the advantage being able to
drive near the horses without having to being them all the way down (from some
pretty far-flung pastures) making a faster departure and return from a ride.
Some call this convenience. I call it a necessity.

Unfortunately, since the pasture is cross fenced, getting to the horses
is much more time consuming and difficult. This impacts accessibility from a
time and convenience standpoint. Not to mention thefts of things from parked
cars. I heard it said, that EBMUD says, that roads are for vehicle access. If
no vehicles were to be up there there would be only trails.

Not everyone has a vehicle that can go up hills and there are others who are
vocal proponents of exercise. However I think it would be a big mistake to take
away these benefits from many members who do. I do not know if anyone on the
board has a 4 wheel drive so they may not able to directly enjoy the benefits –
this could cause a bias against cars.

We cannot protect from all things. This issue has been visited before at least
once, as far as I know, maybe twice, and the board at that/those times decided
for vehicle access.

From an esthetic point of view, some members do not like to see cars on the
pasture while riding. When I see a car up there I think “So and so has the
chance to ride on their lunch hour, how nice!” Or maybe some work is being
done. I have a different perspective, to me cars up there are smart and
helpful. I do not like the looks of the fence around the pond but there it is.
I’m learning to live with it as it makes others feel happier.

There could be other solutions short of barring cars. Some have told me the
discussion will be more around car parking safety such as not
parking on dry grass when your catalytic converter is still hot. That’s a
safety concern I can get behind. Perhaps a good idea would be to have an easily
flippable sign that indicates that there is a vehicle in the pasture posted at
the gates on El Toyonal. What are your ideas?